A

B

C

D

E

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

Y

?

Ariṭṭha (Sutta)

1. Ariṭṭha.– A monk. He had been subjected by the Saṅgha to the formal act of suspension (ukkhepanīyakamma) for refusal to renounce a wrong view, namely, that the states of mind declared by the Buddha to be stumbling-blocks are not such at all for him who indulges in them.¹ Ariṭṭha left the Order and would not come back until the ukkhepanīyakamma was revoked.²

He was a vulture-trainer (gaddhabādhiputta).³

His case is cited as that of a pācittaya-offence because he refused to give up a wrong view even after the monks had three times requested him to do so.⁴

In spite of the ukkhepanīyakamma the Chabbaggiyā monks kept company with Ariṭṭha, thereby committing a pācittaya-offence.⁵ We find the Buddha rebuking the nun Thullanandā for associating with Ariṭṭha after the ukkhepanīyakamma.⁶

It was Ariṭṭha’s heresy that led to the teaching of the Alagaddūpama Sutta.⁷

In the Saṃyuttanikāya,⁸ Ariṭṭha is mentioned as having said to the Buddha that he practised concentration in breathing and as having described how he did it. The Buddha, thereupon, instructs him as to how such concentration can be done perfectly and in every detail.

In the Samanatapāsādikā Ariṭṭha is mentioned in a list of enemies of the religion (sāsana).⁹

¹ He maintained that the soft touch of a woman was no different to the soft touch of a pillow.

² Vin.ii.25‑8. ³ See note in VT.ii.377. ⁴ Vin.iv.135. ⁵ Vin.iv.137.

⁶ Vin.iv.218. ⁷ M.i.130 ff ⁸ S.v.314‑15. ⁹ Sp.iv.874.

2. Ariṭṭha.– A lay disciple mentioned in the Aṅguttaranikāya (A.iii.451) in a list of householders and disciples who had seen and realised immortality and were possessed of unwavering faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha. They practised Noble conduct and had won wisdom and liberty.

3. Ariṭṭha.– A Pacceka Buddha, mentioned in a list of Pacceka Buddhas. M.iii.69; APA.i.106; also Netti, 143.

4. Ariṭṭha.– Nephew of Devānampiyatissa. See Mahā-Ariṭṭha.

5. Ariṭṭha.– Son of the Nāga king, Dhataraṭṭha. See Kānāriṭṭha.

6. Ariṭṭha.– A messenger of Vessavaṇa, employed by him to take his proclamations and publish them. D.iii.201.

Ariṭṭha Sutta.– Records a conversation — already referred to (s.v. Ariṭṭha 1) — between Ariṭṭha and the Buddha regarding concentration on breathing. The Buddha asks the monks whether they practise such concentration. Ariṭṭha says that he himself does and proceeds to explain his method. The Buddha, while not condemning it, explains to him how concentration could be made perfect in every detail. S.v.314‑15.